Life after a divorce is full of ups and downs. This time can be made even more complicated as you look for a new home where you can be comfortable as you start this new chapter in your life. While it can be scary to potentially live alone in a new place, you can also turn this into an opportunity to create a fresh new home where you can renovate, declutter, and make your own space.
Post-Divorce Home Projects
The sky’s the limit for the types of projects you can try. Let’s talk about some exciting projects and special tips to make these updates and renovations as seamless as possible.
Start By Decluttering
If you are staying in the home that you lived in prior to the divorce, the first step to reclaiming your life is to declutter and remove all of the unnecessary items that no longer fit or remind you of unhappy times. In addition to making more space for yourself, decluttering is also essential for improving your mental health. When your home is cluttered and messy, subconsciously, you may feel like your mind is also cluttered and that you are losing control of your life. Needless to say, it pays to spend some time on this project.
To make the process simple, take it one room at a time. Start in the closet. Look at all of your outfits and consider removing any items that you haven’t worn at least once over the last year. Do the same with your shoes, hats, and belts. Then, make your way to the living room and remove any items that you rarely use or that bring back bad memories. Continue this process through the kitchen, bedroom, and hallways.
Instead of throwing away the items you no longer use, consider holding a garage sale so you can make some money for your future projects. You can also donate your belongings to charity. In addition to providing items to someone in need, you can also get tax benefits at the end of the year. Plus, when people buy your donated items instead of buying new ones, it eliminates the need for factories to burn fossil fuels to make new products, and that is great for the environment.
Renovation Ideas
Now that you have your own place and you can do whatever you want, this is a good time to consider some renovations that can truly personalize your space. There are few limits to what you can do and, if you don’t have space inside of your home, you could always add on to your property.
There are many renovation ideas that you can consider for your house. You can start by painting the walls in a color that you have always wanted but never could before. You could also focus on renovating a particular space, like your bedroom. Make it your own personal oasis by changing out the furniture, installing windows to add more natural light, and adding a new bedspread or duvet that shows off your personal style.
If you are short on funds, you can try some DIY renovations around the home. For instance, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, then you can paint the cabinets with a fresh finish that gives the space an entirely new look. While you are there, you can also add an easy-to-install backsplash that will rejuvenate the area. If you have some basic skills and you feel comfortable, you could also add new ceiling fans or use paint to renew your flooring.
Considerations When Planning a Renovation
If you decide to complete a larger renovation, like an addition or complete remodel of a room, then you will need to begin with proper planning. First, if you cannot handle the project yourself, then bring out a contractor and get an estimate for the work. It is essential that you know how much the project will cost so you can ensure that you won’t run short of funds halfway through.
Then, you need to think about when you will do the work. There are many pros and cons to completing a renovation during different seasons. It depends on the type of project and the cost. Many people shy away from doing work during the winter because it can get cold and the work can take longer. However, since fewer people get work done during the winter, contractors are often willing to make deals, and you could save a lot of money. On the flip side, you can find more companies to do the work during the summer, but you may find yourself on a waiting list.
You will also need to ask the contractor if you can stay in the house during the renovations. If you can’t stay home or if they need you to get out during the day, then summer may be the better season since it is safer outside. There are additional perks to staying home during the project, including the costs you will save on a hotel. However, you won’t be able to keep as close of an eye on the work that is being done, so weigh the pros and cons.
Make This Your Forever Home
If you are truly in love with your new place and you want to make it your forever home, then consider making upgrades that will make life easier as you get older. You can do that by installing grab bars near the toilets and the bathtubs, so it is easier to get in and out as you age.
It is also wise to get used to positioning your furniture in a certain way so that you create clear pathways which will make it easier to get around if you ever need to use a wheelchair. Finally, find ways to allow natural light and install fixtures that provide light over stairways and in halls, so you don’t trip now or in the future.
There are also other ways that you can make this house your forever home. First, make sure that you have your property checked and maintained on a regular basis, with special attention to your HVAC systems, roof, and fountain. When you do your renovations, ask the contractors to use long-lasting building materials like wood and steel that will stand the test of time.
As you can see, there are many great projects that you can put into motion in your new post-divorce home. Consider the tips and ideas discussed here, and make a place that is all your own for your new life.
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